NBA Rewind: Recreating the Modern NBA (2000-01 to ...)

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NBA Rewind: Recreating the Modern NBA (2000-01 to ...)

An NBA 2k season by season recreation of the NBA from the 2000-01 season forward.

Credit for the initial roster goes to CD90/Katunga90 on PSN

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Re: NBA Rewind: Recreating the Modern NBA (2000-01 to ...)

2000-01 NBA Season Preview

Atlantic Division



Last season: 52-30, eliminated 4-3 by New York in second round of playoffs.

Coach: Pat Riley, sixth season with Heat, 243-135; 18th season overall, 999-434.

Added: G Eddie Jones, F Anthony Mason, G Ricky Davis, F Dale Ellis (trade with Hornets), F Brian Grant (trade with Trail Blazers), G Rick Brunson (free agent, Knicks), F Todd Fuller (free agent, Hornets), F Don MacLean (free agent, Suns), G Eddie House (draft, No. 37, Arizona State).

Lost: C Alonzo Mourning (illness), F P.J. Brown, F Jamal Mashburn, F Otis Thorpe, F Tim James (traded to Charlotte), G Voshon Lenard, F Mark Strickland (traded to Denver), F Clarence Weatherspoon (traded to Cleveland).

Strengths: Even without Mourning, there is enough talent, size and experience to win the division again. Grant can make the transition from power forward to center, especially in an Eastern Conference lacking talented big men. Riley thrives on challenges, and this is one of his biggest.

Weaknesses: Mourning is out for the season with a kidney disorder. There are so many new players, Mason to Jones to Grant to Davis, and there will be plenty of unfamiliarity to overcome. Tim Hardaway's durability will be a question mark, as always.

What they'll do: Overachieve their way to 54-56 victories in a weak conference.



Last season: 50-32, lost 4-2 to Indiana in Eastern Conference finals.

Coach: Jeff Van Gundy, sixth season, 180-128.

Added: F Glen Rice, C Travis Knight (trade with Lakers), C Luc Longley (trade with Suns), G Erick Strickland (trade with Mavericks), C Felton Spencer (free agent, Spurs), F Lavor Postell (draft, No. 39, St. John's), F Pete Mickeal (draft, No. 58, Cincinnati).

Lost: C Patrick Ewing (traded to Seattle), C Chris Dudley (traded to Phoenix), F John Wallace (traded to Dallas), G Rick Brunson (free agent, Miami), C Andrew Lang (free agent).

Strengths: Perimeter shooting. The addition of Rice gives the Knicks, who already had Allan Houston, two outstanding pure shooters alongside a third player, Latrell Sprewell, with more versatile skills. Team chemistry could be better once the post-Ewing shock wears off.

Weaknesses: The Knicks, one of the worst rebounding teams in the league last season, traded their best rebounder. Marcus Camby will need to stay healthy while being banged around in the low post. Having three similar players in Rice, Sprewell and Houston might cause problems.

What they'll do: Move into the post-Ewing era, with no chance to win a championship unless they find a better replacement for Ewing than Longley.



Last season: 49-33, lost 4-2 to Indiana in second round.

Coach: Larry Brown, 4th season with Sixers, 108-106; 18th season overall, 732-586.

Added: G Speedy Claxton (draft, No. 20, Hofstra).

Lost: G Kevin Ollie (free agent, New Jersey).

Strengths: Of the four teams that made it to the conference semifinals, the Sixers are the only one that returns intact. With the Heat, Knicks and Pacers all having made major changes, the 76ers will have a big edge in familiarity. If he tries, Theo Ratliff can be an All-Star.

Weaknesses: Allen Iverson showed up at training camp almost 20 pounds lighter than expected after spending much the summer wondering whether the Sixers would trade him. Unless Toni Kukoc becomes a bigger part of the equation, the Sixers will again lack a secondary scorer who can ease some of Iverson's load.

What they'll do: Have a make-or-break season that will allow them to decide whether it's time to continue building the team around Iverson.



Last season: 31-51, missed playoffs.

Coach: Byron Scott, first season.

Added: F Kenyon Martin (draft, No. 1, Cincinnati), F Soumaila Samake (draft, No. 36, IBL), F Aaron Williams (free agent, Wizards).

Lost: G Kerry Kittles (injured), F Jayson Williams (retired), F Scott Burrell (free agent).

Strengths: Kendall Gill moves to shooting guard and Keith Van Horn to small forward as both players adopt more natural positions. Stephon Marbury remains perhaps the best point guard in the conference, and Scott worked the team hard during training camp to improve their conditioning.

Weaknesses: The injury bug has already hit hard, with Van Horn breaking his leg in a preseason game and being forced to sit out for up to six weeks, Kittles probably out for the season with a knee injury and Jamie Feick and Lucious Harris undergoing surgery during training camp. The center position remains a big weakness.

What they'll do: Hope a change in coaches will help them win a few more close games. They were 10-24 last season in games decided by five points or less.



Last season: 41-41, missed playoffs.

Coach: Doc Rivers, second season, 41-41.

Added: F Grant Hill (trade with Pistons), G Tracy McGrady (trade with Raptors), F Andrew DeClercq (trade with Cavaliers), F Mike Miller (draft, No. 5, Florida), G Dee Brown (free agent, Magic), G Troy Hudson (free agent, Clippers), C Don Reid (free agent, Wizards).

Lost: F Ben Wallace, G Chucky Atkins (traded to Detroit), G Corey Maggette, F Derek Strong (traded to L.A. Clippers), G Chauncey Billups (free agent, Minnesota), G Ron Mercer (free agent, Chicago), G Matt Harpring (traded to Cleveland), G Anthony Johnson (waived).

Strengths: Upgraded talent considerably by acquiring Hill and McGrady after clearing room under the salary cap. Rivers turned the Magic into a tough team last season and won coach of the year honors. Darrell Armstrong becomes more dangerous with Hill and McGrady around.

Weaknesses: All that salary cap space and all those promises of easy Florida living failed to land Tim Duncan, the top prize of the summer free-agent class. Making matters worse, several key players left -- most notably Wallace and Atkins -- to leave the Magic weak in the frontcourt and off the bench.

What they'll do: Give the ball to McGrady or Armstrong more than Hill at the end of close games.



Last season: 35-47, missed playoffs.

Coach: Rick Pitino, fourth year with Celtics, 90-124; sixth season overall, 180-198.

Added: G Robert Pack (trade with Mavericks), F Jerome Moiso (draft, No. 11, UCLA), G Randy Brown (free agent, Bulls), G Chris Carr (free agent, Bulls).

Lost: F Danny Fortson (traded to Golden State), G Dana Barros (traded to Dallas), C Pervis Ellison (free agent, Seattle).

Strengths: Paul Pierce has developed into one of the game's better all-around players, while Antoine Walker seems to have forged a lasting peace with Pitino. Pierce has been recovering quickly from stab wounds from a nightclub assault.

Weaknesses: Not enough talent and not many options via trades or free agency because of the big contracts held by the current players. Pitino isn't exactly a lame duck, although he says he'll leave if Celts don't improve.

What they'll do: Wonder whether Pitino would make a good replacement for Bob Knight at Indiana University.



Last season: 29-53, missed playoffs.

Coach: Leonard Hamilton, first season.

Added: G Felipe Lopez, F Cherokee Parks, F Obinna Ekezie (trade with Grizzlies), F Popeye Jones (trade with Nuggets), F Mike Smith (draft, No. 35, Louisiana-Monroe).

[/b]Lost:[/b] G Tracy Murray (traded to Denver), C Ike Austin (traded to Vancouver), F Aaron Williams (free agent, New Jersey), C Don Reid (free agent, Orlando).

Strengths: Things can't get much worse. Haven't won a playoff game since 1988.

Weaknesses: Tied down by the salaries being paid to Juwan Howard, Mitch Richmond and Rod Strickland. Got little in return for two of their most tradable assets: Austin and Murray.

What they'll do: Tarnish Michael Jordan's reputation as a winner.

Central Division



Last season: 49-33, eliminated 3-1 by Philadelphia in first round of playoffs.

Coach: Paul Silas, third season with Hornets, 71-46; fifth season overall, 149-214.

Added: F P.J. Brown, F Jamal Mashburn, F Tim James, F Otis Thorpe (trade with Heat), G Hersey Hawkins (free agent, Bulls), F Jamaal Magliore (draft, No. 19, Kentucky), F Lee Nailon (rookie, Olympia Milano, TCU).

Lost: G Eddie Jones, F Anthony Mason, F Dale Ellis, G Ricky Davis (traded to Miami), C Todd Fuller (free agent, Miami), C Brad Miller (free agent, Chicago).

Strengths: One of the few teams in the East with size (Elden Campbell, Derrick Coleman, Brown, Thorpe), the Hornets might play even bigger than usual if Silas sticks with his plan to use Mashburn at shooting guard instead of small forward. David Wesley is solid, and Eddie Robinson and Baron Davis are ready to contribute more.

Weaknesses: Coleman will start slowly after missing all of the preseason while adapting to new heart medication. Miller will be missed in the middle, and Robinson is an unproven commodity who might get the majority of minutes at shooting guard.

What they'll do: Find out how much size is going to be an advantage in the undersized Eastern Conference.



Last season: 45-37, eliminated 3-0 by New York in first round of playoffs.

Coach: Lenny Wilkens, first season with Raptors; 28th season overall, 1,179-981.

Added: G Mark Jackson (free agent, Pacers), F Corliss Williamson (trade with Warriors), G Morris Peterson (draft, No. 21, Michigan State).

Lost: G Tracy McGrady (traded to Orlando), G Dee Brown (free agent, Orlando), G Doug Christie (traded to Sacramento), F John Thomas (free agent).

Strengths: Have the most dynamic player in the game in Vince Carter, who for the first time will have a true point guard, Jackson, getting him the ball in position to score. With Kevin Willis, Antonio Davis, Williamson and Charles Oakley, the Raptors have size.

Weaknesses: Will miss McGrady, who was developing into a big-game player who could be counted on to perform in the clutch. Will miss Christie's all-around contributions, especially 3-point shooting.

What they'll do: Have the league's leading scorer, Carter, and possibly the league leader in assists, Jackson.



Last season: 42-40, eliminated 3-2 by Indiana in first round of playoffs.

Coach: George Karl, third season with Bucks, 70-62; 14th season overall, 573-388.

Added: F Jason Caffey (trade with Warriors), C Joel Przybilla (draft, No. 9, Minnesota), G Lindsey Hunter (trade with Pistons).

Lost: F Billy Owens (traded to Detroit), F Danny Manning (free agent, Utah), G Vinny Del Negro (traded to Golden State), F J.R. Reid, F Robert Traylor (traded to Cleveland).

Strengths: Once they started to play defense like an NBA team some 70 games into last season, they were pretty good. They even came awfully close to knocking the Pacers out of the postseason. Ray Allen is the best NBA player toiling in obscurity. Przybilla will become a decent successor to Ervin Johnson at center.

Weaknesses: Haven't won a playoff series since 1989, coming up short in each of Karl's first two seasons as head coach. Glenn Robinson remains suspect on defense; Sam Cassell is always prone to an ankle sprain that could force him to miss 20 games; and front line remains a huge question mark.

What they'll do: Challenge for the division title -- as long as they play defense like they mean it.



Last season: 56-26, lost 4-2 to L.A. Lakers in NBA Finals.

Coach: Isiah Thomas, first season.

Added: C Jermaine O'Neal (trade with Trail Blazers), C Terry Mills (free agent, Pistons), G Rex Walters (free agent, Heat).

Lost: C Rik Smits (retired), F Dale Davis (traded to Portland), G Mark Jackson (free agent, Toronto), F Chris Mullin (waived).

Strengths: Still have one of the best pure shooters and clutch players in the game, Reggie Miller, and a 6-foot-8 point guard in Jalen Rose who will cause serious matchup problems. Austin Croshere will get more playing time, and O'Neal, Jonathan Bender, Jeff Foster and Al Harrington will get chances to prove they belong in the NBA.

Weaknesses: Lost three-fifths of their starting lineup and a head coach, Larry Bird, thereby going from a team that nearly won the title to one that could struggle to win 45 games. Miller is already unhappy despite a new three-year, $36 million contract. Davis and Smits will be almost impossible to replace.

What they'll do: Drop back into the middle of the pack in a conference they won last season.



Last season: 42-40, eliminated 3-0 by Miami in first round.

Coach: George Irvine, first full season with Pistons, 14-10. Fifth season overall, 68-140.

Added: F Ben Wallace, G Chucky Atkins (trade with Magic), F Cedric Ceballos, F John Wallace (trade with Mavericks), F Billy Owens (trade with Milwaukee), G Mateen Cleeves (draft, No. 14, Michigan State).

Lost: F Grant Hill (traded to Orlando), F Christian Laettner (traded to Dallas), C Terry Mills (free agent, Indiana), G Lindsey Hunter (traded to Milwaukee), G John Crotty (free agent, Utah).

Strengths: With Hill gone, Jerry Stackhouse gets a chance to become the No. 1 option on offense for the first time in his pro career. Ceballos will be a more consistent scorer than Laettner. Atkins could blossom as a starter.

Weaknesses: The starting lineup will be almost completely different than it was a year ago, and the Pistons will need some time to mesh. They remain undersized, just as they were when Hill was there, and have added several players who are not exactly known for their defense.

What they'll do: Mediocrity in Motown. Playoffs look like a long shot.



Last season: 28-54, missed playoffs.

Coach: Lon Kruger, first season.

Added: G DerMarr Johnson (draft, No. 6, Cincinnati), G Anthony Johnson (free agent, Magic), F Hanno Mottola (draft, No. 40, Utah).

Lost: F LaPhonso Ellis (free agent), G Bimbo Coles (free agent, Cleveland).

Strengths: Has the league's hottest tradable commodity in C Dikembe Mutombo, who seems almost certain to be traded as the Hawks plunge further into a rebuilding mode.

Weaknesses: They're bad, they're boring, and they're only going to get worse before they get better.

What they'll do: Depends on what they get for Mutombo.



Last season: 17-65, missed playoffs.

Coach: Tim Floyd, third season, 30-102.

Added: G Ron Mercer (free agent, Magic), C Brad Miller (free agent, Hornets), G Bryce Drew (trade with Rockets), F Marcus Fizer (draft, No. 4, Iowa State), G Jamal Crawford (draft, No. 8, Michigan), F Dragan Tarlac (rookie, Olympiakos), G A.J. Guyton (draft, No. 32, Indiana), C Jake Voskuhl (draft, No. 33, Connecticut).

Lost: C Chris Anstey (waived), G Hersey Hawkins (waived), G Matt Maloney (waived), G Randy Brown (free agent, Boston), C Will Perdue (free agent, Portland), G Chris Carr (free agent, Boston), F Dickey Simpkins (free agent, Seattle), G B.J. Armstrong (retired).

Strengths: In Crawford and Fizer, have added two players who can produce -- if they can get their hands on the ball with Elton Brand and Mercer expected to take the bulk of the shots. Plenty of salary cap space to use next summer, unless next summer turns out to be like last summer with few players wanting to take Chicago's money.

Weaknesses: One of the league's youngest teams, the Bulls are being forced -- unreasonably, some might say -- to run the triangle offense that Floyd inherited from Phil Jackson. Morale is low, just like expectations. Expected to have first non-sellout at home since early '90s.

What they'll do: Place bets on whether Brand or Mercer takes more shots.



Last season: 32-50, missed playoffs.

Coach: Randy Wittman, second season, 32-50.

Added: F Clarence Weatherspoon, F Chris Gatling (trade with Heat), F J.R. Reid, F Robert Traylor (trade with Bucks), C Chris Mihm (draft, No. 7, Texas), G Bimbo Coles (free agent, Hawks), F Matt Harpring (trade with Magic).

Lost: F Shawn Kemp (traded to Portland), C Andrew DeClercq (traded to Orlando), G Bob Sura (traded to Golden State), F Danny Ferry (free agent, San Antonio).

Strengths: Lead the league in retread power forwards.

Weaknesses: Traded their best player and got nothing of value in return.

What they'll do: Achieve the impossible -- be worse than the Bulls.

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Re: NBA Rewind: Recreating the Modern NBA (2000-01 to ...)



Midwest Division



Last season: 53-29, eliminated 3-1 by Phoenix in first round.

Coach: Gregg Popovich, fifth season, 163-115.

Added: G Derek Anderson (free agent, Clippers), F Danny Ferry (free agent, Cavaliers).

Lost: G Mario Elie (free agent, Phoenix), C Felton Spencer (free agent, New York), F Jerome Kersey (free agent).

Strengths: No team matches up better with the defending champion Lakers, who strike no fear into the likes of Tim Duncan and David Robinson. Anderson is a much-needed upgrade from Elie at shooting guard, and Sean Elliott plans to be back for an entire year after missing most of Last season: with a kidney ailment.

Weaknesses: Duncan, who missed the playoffs last season, is coming off knee surgery. Robinson is a year older. Elliott is fragile. Plenty of question marks on the bench, including aging guards Terry Porter and Steve Kerr.

What they'll do: Hope that the road to the championship round goes through Los Angeles, not Portland.



Last season: 55-27, eliminated 4-1 by Portland in second round.

Coach: Jerry Sloan, 13th season with Jazz, 637-296; 15th season overall, 731-417.

Added: F Donyell Marshall (trade with Warriors), G John Starks (free agent, Bulls), F Danny Manning (free agent, Bucks), G DeShawn Stevenson (draft, No. 23, Washington Union HS, Fresno, Calif.), G John Crotty (free agent, Pistons).

Lost: G Jeff Hornacek (retired), G Howard Eisley (traded to Dallas), F Adam Keefe (traded to Golden State), F Armen Gilliam (free agent).

Strengths: Stockton and Malone, together again and ready to pick-and-roll their way through another winning season. Marshall and Starks should be able to replace the scoring that Eisley and Hornacek had provided, and Hornacek has hinted that he might come out of retirement and rejoin the team for the playoffs.

Weaknesses: Last season's loss to Portland showed that there are certain teams that just seem to have Utah's number, and the Jazz's postseason success could come down to whether they have a favorable draw in the Western Conference seedings.

What they'll do: Hope Starks isn't as washed up as he looked last year. Hope Marshall isn't the stiff he was in the late '90s.



Last season: 40-42, missed playoffs.

Coach: Don Nelson, fourth season with Mavs, 75-123; 23rd season overall, 926-752.

Added: F Christian Laettner (trade with Pistons), F Loy Vaught (trade with Pistons), G Howard Eisley (trade with Jazz), G Courtney Alexander (draft, No. 13, Fresno State), F Etan Thomas (draft, No. 12, Syracuse), F Donnell Harvey (draft, No. 22, Florida), F Eduardo Najera (draft, No. 38, Oklahoma).

Lost: G Robert Pack (traded to Boston), F Cedric Ceballos (traded to Detroit), C Sean Rooks (traded to L.A. Clippers), G Erick Strickland (traded to New York), G Damon Jones (free agent).

Strengths: Loaded up over the summer with a horde of promising draft picks and an established big man in Laettner. One of the hottest teams in the NBA over the second half of last season, Dallas has become one of the league's preferred destinations among players eager to be coddled with creature comforts by owner Mark Cuban.

Weaknesses: Despite all their power forwards, they will be at a disadvantage in the low post against the better teams in the West. Will have to fight hard for a playoff berth in a tough conference.

What they'll do: Live in luxury, with flat-screen DVD players in their lockers and special chairs on the bench courtesy of Cuban's Internet fortune.



Last season: 34-48, missed playoffs.

Coach: Rudy Tomjanovich, 10th season, 387-267.

Added: F Maurice Taylor (free agent, Clippers), C Jason Collier, (draft, No. 15, Georgia Tech).

Lost: F Charles Barkley (retired), F Tony Massenburg (free agent, Vancouver), G Bryce Drew (traded to Chicago), F Anthony Miller (free agent).

Strengths: Steve Francis will be the focal point of the offense right from the get-go, unlike Last season: when his role was defined as the season wore on. The Rockets got Taylor for next to nothing, signing him for the $2.25 million salary cap exception after it seemed certain he'd end up elsewhere.

Weaknesses: The core of this team is not used to winning, and it'll be an uphill battle to compete against the bigger, more experienced teams in the conference. Hakeem Olajuwon is on his last legs.

What they'll do: End the Olajuwon era somewhere slightly south of .500.



Last season: 50-32, eliminated 3-1 by Portland in first round of playoffs.

Coach: Flip Saunders, fifth season, 180-178.

Added: G Chauncey Billups (free agent, Magic).

Lost: G Malik Sealy (deceased), G Bobby Jackson (free agent, Sacramento).

Strengths: Kevin Garnett has evolved into one of the most complete players in the game; Terrell Brandon remains one of the best point guards in the league; and the supporting cast is solid if unspectacular.

Weaknesses: Facing huge penalties from the league amid accusations Joe Smith was signed to a secret side contract that violated the salary cap. Could lose draft picks and money, and owner Glen Taylor could be suspended -- a huge cloud hanging over a franchise that has been running in place for three years.

What they'll do: Have a tougher time in the race for the playoffs than they did last season.



Last season: 35-47, missed playoffs.

Coach: Dan Issel, fifth season, 131-149.

Added: G Robert Pack, G Calbert Cheaney (trade with Celtics), F Mark Strickland, G Voshon Lenard (trade with Heat), G Tracy Murray (trade with Wizards), C Mamadou N'Diaye (draft, No. 26, Auburn).

Lost: G Bryant Stith, G Chris Herren (traded to Boston), F Popeye Jones (traded to Washington), F Chris Gatling (traded to Miami).

Strengths: On paper, it appears they got the better of the deal in each of their three trades. Their 3-point shooting will be improved, and they have an underrated top threesome of Antonio McDyess, Raef LaFrentz and Nick Van Exel.

Weaknesses: Tended to go adrift for long stretches last season, turning a nice start into a season of mediocrity. Size will be a problem in their conference, especially at center.

What they'll do: Possibly be the sleeper team in the West.



Last season: 22-60, missed playoffs.

Coach: Sidney Lowe, first season with Grizzlies, third season overall, 33-102.

Added: F Stromile Swift (draft, LSU, No. 2), F Tony Massenburg (free agent, Rockets), C Isaac Austin (trade with Wizards), G Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf (free agent), G Damon Jones (free agent, Mavericks).

Lost: G Felipe Lopez, G Dennis Scott, F Obinna Ekezie, F Cherokee Parks (traded to Washington), F Antoine Carr (free agent).

Strengths: Deep at power forward, with a very tradable commodity in Othella Harrington. Michael Dickerson is coming off a breakout year, Shareef Abdur-Rahim would be an All-Star if he played elsewhere.

Weaknesses: Many of the players aren't particularly happy to be playing in NBA Siberia, and it sometimes shows in a lack of effort. Fans are convinced the team will be moved in two years, and many have stopped attending games.

What they'll do: Lay claim to the same spot in the cellar that has become their permanent habitat.

Pacific Division



Last season: 59-23, eliminated 4-3 by Los Angeles Lakers in Western Conference finals.

Coach: Mike Dunleavy, fourth season with Blazers, 140-74; 10th season overall, 348-358.

Added: F Shawn Kemp (trade with Cavaliers), F Dale Davis (trade with Pacers), C Will Perdue (free agent, Bulls), G Erick Barkley (draft, No. 28, St. John's).

Lost: F Detlef Schrempf (retired), F Brian Grant (traded to Miami), C Jermaine O'Neal (traded to Indiana), G Gary Grant (traded to Cleveland), F Antonio Harvey (free agent).

Strengths: If not for their fourth-quarter meltdown in Game 7 of the conference finals, they might be the defending champs. The addition of Kemp and Davis to the nucleus of Arvydas Sabonis and Rasheed Wallace makes them even better than they were last season, with enough weapons in the low post to match anything the Lakers or Spurs can throw at them.

Weaknesses: The point guard duo of Damon Stoudamire and Greg Anthony is a notch below the NBA standard, and it remains a big question how Kemp and Davis will respond to significantly reduced roles from the ones they're used to.

What they'll do: They'll win the West and the title.



Last season: 67-15, won NBA championship 4-2 over Indiana.

Coach: Phil Jackson, second season with Lakers, 11th season overall, 612-208.

Added: F Horace Grant, C Greg Foster, G Emanuel Davis (trade with Sonics), G Isaiah Rider (free agent, Hawks), F Mark Madsen (draft, No. 29, Stanford).

Lost: VP Jerry West (retired), F Glen Rice, C Travis Knight (traded to New York), F A.C. Green (free agent), G John Celestand (free agent, Dallas), C John Salley (retired), G Brian Shaw (free agent).

Strengths: On the verge of losing Rice and getting nothing in return, general manager Mitch Kupchak pulled off a great trade to land Grant -- an upgrade over last year's starter, Green. In Foster, Kupchak also found an adequate backup for O'Neal, who developed into an all-around force Last season: en route to the championship.

Weaknesses: Will have to fight the letdown syndrome after winning the title in Jackson's first season. Brought in Rider, who has been a headache wherever he has played.

What they'll do: Stay neck and neck with the Blazers, see even more Hack-a-Shaq defenses.



Last season: 53-29, eliminated 4-1 by Lakers in second round of playoffs.

Coach: Scott Skiles, second season, 40-22.

Added: C Iakovos Tsakalidis (draft, No. 25, AEK Greece), C Chris Dudley (trade with Knicks), G Tony Delk (free agent, Kings), G Mario Elie (free agent, Spurs), G Paul McPherson (rookie free agent, DePaul).

Lost: C Luc Longley (traded to New York), G Kevin Johnson (re-retired), G Toby Bailey (free agent, Bulls), F Don MacLean (free agent, Heat), G Todd Day (free agent), C Oliver Miller (free agent).

Strengths: After being hurt by injuries last season, should have a healthy cast back by December when Tom Gugliotta returns. Jason Kidd and Penny Hardaway comprise one of the best backcourts in the league, Shawn Marion is the real deal and Cliff Robinson is an exceptional defender. Longley won't be around to slow things down.

Weaknesses: Scoring in the middle will be an even bigger problem than it used to be, and there's no big rebounder at the starting power forward spot or off the bench. Hardaway is recovering from knee surgery and might start slowly.

What they'll do: Wish they were in the East, where they'd win 60 games.



Last season: 45-37, eliminated 3-2 by Utah in first round of playoffs.

Coach: Paul Westphal, second season with Sonics, 70-62; seventh season overall, 236-125.

Added: C Patrick Ewing (trade with Knicks), F Desmond Mason (draft, No. 17, Oklahoma State), C Pervis Ellison (free agent, Celtics), G Randy Livingston (free agent, Suns), F Dickey Simpkins (free agent, Bulls).

Lost: F Horace Grant, F Chuck Person, G Emanuel Davis, C Greg Foster (traded to L.A. Lakers), F Lazaro Borrell, C Vladimir Stepania, G Vernon Maxwell (traded to New York).

Strengths: After years of trying, finally found a dominant center -- albeit one who hasn't been dominating for the past three seasons. Gary Payton is coming off the best year of his career, and Vin Baker isn't carrying around 15 extra pounds. Rashard Lewis and Shammond Williams are two of the better unheralded players in the NBA.

Weaknesses: Will miss Grant and his durability and might rue trading him to a conference contender. Baker still has a distaste for banging around in the low post. The bench is not deep. Payton and Baker don't exactly have warm and fuzzy feelings for Westphal. Ewing is 38.

What they'll do: Give it a shot with Ewing, and tear it apart again next summer if things don't work out.



Last season: 44-38, eliminated 3-2 by L.A. Lakers in first round of playoffs.

Coach: Rick Adelman, third season with Kings, 71-61; eighth season overall, 428-313.

Added: G Doug Christie (trade with Toronto), G Bobby Jackson (free agent, Timberwolves).

Lost: F Corliss Williamson (traded to Toronto), G Tony Delk (free agent, Phoenix), F Tyrone Corbin (free agent).

Strengths: Play a wide-open style that can frustrate opponents into playing down to the Kings' level. Vlade Divac and Chris Webber are on par with some of the other big-man tandems in the conference, and Christie will be an improvement over the disappointing Nick Anderson.

Weaknesses: Jason Williams has already run afoul of the league's drug program and will serve five-game suspensions for any subsequent violations. Webber is in the final year of his contract and could demand a trade. Williamson and Delk provided intangibles that haven't been replaced.

What they'll do: Be known as last year's flavor; drop in popularity.



Last season: 19-63, missed playoffs.

Coach: Dave Cowens, first season with Warriors; fifth season overall, 136-111.

Added: F Danny Fortson (trade with Celtics), F Adam Keefe (trade with Jazz), G Bob Sura (trade with Cavaliers), G Vinny DelNegro (trade with Bucks), F Chris Porter (draft, No. 51, Auburn), F Chris Mullin (free agent, Pacers).

Lost: F Jason Caffey (traded to Milwaukee), F Donyell Marshall (traded to Utah), F Bill Curley (traded to Dallas), F Billy Owens (traded to Milwaukee), F Mark Davis (free agent).

Strengths: Will have Larry Hughes and Antawn Jamison playing alongside each other for the first time, as Jamison missed the second half of last season due to injury. Fortson should be an improvement over Caffey, while the bench will be stronger.

Weaknesses: Very weak at center, and loaded with players on the bench who are past their peak. Didn't have a first-round draft pick, having sent it to Orlando to complete the Chris Webber-Penny Hardaway trade of many years ago.

What they'll do: Be the answer to the question: Whatever happened to so-and-so?



Last season: 15-67, missed playoffs.

Coach: Alvin Gentry, first season with Clippers; fifth season overall, 88-93.

Added: F Darius Miles (draft, No. 3, East St. Louis H.S), G Keyon Dooling (draft, No. 10, Missouri), G Quentin Richardson (draft, No. 18, DePaul); F Derek Strong, G Corey Maggette (trade with Magic), C Sean Rooks (trade with Mavericks), G Earl Boykins (free agent, Cavaliers), C Zendon Hamilton (free agent).

Lost: G Derek Anderson (free agent, San Antonio), F Maurice Taylor (free agent, Houston), G Eric Murdock (traded to Dallas), C Keith Closs (suspended), F Pete Chilcutt (free agent, Miami).

Strengths: Making yet another fresh start under a new coach, this time the Clippers should at least be fun to watch with their baby-faced cast of players 22-and-under.

Weaknesses: Everyone who comes there eventually wants to leave, creating a revolving door culture that has made the franchise the laughingstock of the league.

What they'll do: Appear on national television vs. Minnesota on Dec. 20. Really.

[qpc123]

Re: NBA Rewind: Recreating the Modern NBA (2000-01 to ...)

Daily Schedule

Matchup Preview | October 27, 2000
	@
Detroit Pistons (0-0, 0-0 Away)		Miami Heat (0-0, 0-0 Home)
Projected Starters Chucky Atkins Point Guard Tim Hardaway Jerry Stackhouse Shooting Guard Eddie Jones Billy Owens Small Forward Anthony Mason Ben Wallace Power Forward Brian Grant Eric Montross Center Duane Causwell Injury Report Dana Barros Back - Day to Day Alonzo Mourning Kindney Disorder - IR Brian Cardinal Knee - Day to Day Ricky Davis Foot Fracture - IR

Matchup Preview | October 27, 2000
	@
Indiana Pacers (0-0, 0-0 Away)		Milwakee Bucks (0-0, 0-0 Home)
Projected Starters Travis Best Point Guard Sam Cassell Reggie Miller Shooting Guard Ray Allen Austin Croshere Small Forward Glenn Robinson Sam Perkins Power Forward Jason Caffey Jermaine O'Neal Center Ervin Johnson Injury Report Jalen Rose Fractured Wrist - Out 4-6 Months Jason Hart Back Spasms - Day to Day Terry Mills Knee - Day to Day Mark Pope Back Spasms - Day to Day Bruno Sundov Ankle - Day to Day Lari Ketner Knee - Day to Day

Matchup Preview | October 27, 2000
	@
San Antonio Spurs (0-0, 0-0 Away)		Los Angeles Lakers (0-0, 0-0 Home)
Projected Starters Avery Johnson Point Guard Ron Harper Derek Anderson Shooting Guard Kobe Bryant Sean Elliot Small Forward Rick Fox Tim Duncan Power Forward Horace Grant David Robinson Center Shaquille O'Neal Injury Report Ira Newble Plantar Faciitis - IR Derek Fisher Foot Fracture - IR Derrick Dial Shoulder - Day to Day Mike Penberthy Shoulder - Day to Day Shawnelle Scott Knee - Day to Day Stanislav Medvedenko Knee - Day to Day

[qpc123]

Re: NBA Rewind: Recreating the Modern NBA (2000-01 to ...)

Oct. 27, 2000 - NBA Nightly Recap

Shaq scores 31 as Lakers win to open title defense

LOS ANGELES -- Shaquille O'Neal was dominate in the post, Kobe Bryant attacked the basket with abandon and Lakers walked off the floor victorious. It all looked so familiar to what happened here only four months ago.

The reigning champions made easy work of the Spurs, despite the presence of both Tim Duncan and David Robinson.

O'Neal controlled the paint from the opening tip on his way to 31 points, 17 rebounds, 5 assists and 2 blocks. Bryant added 21 and new addition Isaiah Rider scored 18 off the bench.

Robinson led the Spurs with 19 points and 9 rebounds. Duncan struggled against new Lakers power forward Horace Grant and scored just 9 points on 4 of 11 shooting.

San Antonio Spurs at Los Angeles Lakers
Oct 27, 2000	1ST	2ND	3RD	4TH	SCORE
San Antonio (0-1)	20	18	22	28	88
Los Angeles (1-0)	27	31	28	19	105

San Antonio Spurs
STARTERS	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
Sean Elliott, SF	29	4-8	0-1	0-1	1	1	0	0	0	8
Tim Duncan, PF	29	4-11	0-0	1-2	9	1	0	0	2	9
David Robinson, C	31	8-13	0-0	3-4	9	1	3	2	0	19
Derek Anderson, SG	25	4-11	0-1	2-2	4	5	1	0	1	10
Avery Johnson, PG	29	3-6	0-0	2-4	3	10	0	0	2	8
BENCH	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
Terry Porter, PG	15	5-6	2-2	2-2	1	2	1	0	0	14
Malik Rose, PF	19	4-7	0-0	2-4	9	0	1	0	2	10
Antonio Daniels, SG	16	3-9	0-3	0-0	0	2	0	0	1	6
Jaren Jackson, SG	3	1-3	0-0	0-0	0	0	0	0	0	2
Samaki Walker, PF	17	1-7	0-1	0-0	4	0	0	0	0	2
Danny Ferry, SF	16	0-1	0-1	0-0	1	0	0	0	2	0
Steve Kerr, PG	11	0-4	0-3	0-0	3	2	0	0	0	0
TEAM TOTALS		37-86	2-12	12-19	44	24	6	2	10	88

Los Angeles Lakers
STARTERS	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
Rick Fox, SF	31	6-9	2-3	0-0	2	4	1	0	2	14
Horace Grant, PF	39	3-7	0-1	1-1	13	4	2	0	0	7
Shaquille O'Neal, C	38	12-17	0-0	7-9	17	5	1	2	2	31
Kobe Bryant, SG	28	9-21	0-0	3-4	1	3	0	0	0	21
Ron Harper, PG	27	0-3	0-1	0-0	4	3	2	1	3	0
BENCH	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
Isaiah Rider, SG	16	6-9	0-1	6-6	3	1	0	0	0	18
Brian Shaw, PG	15	2-5	0-2	0-0	3	4	0	0	0	4
Devean George, SF	10	0-4	0-2	4-4	4	2	0	0	2	4
Greg Foster, C	11	2-4	0-0	0-0	3	1	0	0	0	4
Tyronn Lue, PG	17	1-5	0-3	0-0	2	2	2	0	0	2
Mark Madsen, PF	8	0-1	0-0	0-0	2	0	0	0	0	0
TEAM TOTALS		41-85	2-13	21-24	54	29	8	3	9	105

Hot shooting Pacers outgun Bucks

MILWAUKEE -- It was a rough off-season for the Pacers. Coming off a Finals loss to the Lakers followed by the exits of stalwarts like Rik Smits and Dale Davis. After one game this season, the Pacers seem to have not missed a beat.

If one thing remains constant for Indiana it is the shooting of Reggie Miller, who hit 6 of 7 three pointers as the Pacers knocked off the Bucks 108-104 in a game that wasn't as close as the final score indicates.

Miller finished with 26 points, Travis Best scored 25 points with 13 assists and Austin Croshere added 21.

Milwaukee was paced by Glenn Robinson's 26 and Ray Allen's 25, but 39% shooting doomed the Bucks.

Indiana Pacers at Milwakee Bucks
Oct 27, 2000	1ST	2ND	3RD	4TH	SCORE
Indiana (1-0)	25	30	33	20	108
Milwakee (0-1)	32	25	18	29	104

Indiana Pacers
STARTERS	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
Austin Croshere, SF	35	8-15	2-5	3-3	7	2	1	2	1	21
Sam Perkins, PF	25	4-6	0-0	2-2	4	1	0	2	1	10
Jermaine O'Neal, C	33	4-11	0-0	2-4	14	3	0	1	1	10
Reggie Miller, SG	47	10-19	6-7	0-1	6	4	3	2	1	26
Travis Best, PG	45	8-21	2-5	7-10	7	13	3	0	6	25
BENCH	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
Derrick McKey, SF	9	1-1	0-0	2-2	2	1	0	0	0	4
Al Harrington, PF	16	2-3	0-0	0-0	4	0	0	0	0	4
Jonathan Bender, SF	8	1-3	0-0	2-2	1	0	0	0	0	4
Tyus Edney, PG	3	1-2	0-0	0-0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Jeff Foster, C	9	0-2	0-0	2-2	2	1	1	1	1	2
Zan Tabak, C	10	0-1	0-0	0-0	0	4	0	0	0	0
TEAM TOTALS		39-84	10-17	20-26	51	25	8	8	11	108

Milwakee Bucks
STARTERS	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
Glenn Robinson, SF	37	11-22	0-0	4-5	13	1	2	0	1	26
Jason Caffey, PF	26	2-6	0-0	0-0	11	0	2	0	0	4
Ervin Johnson, C	31	2-3	0-0	3-3	11	2	2	2	2	7
Ray Allen, SG	39	9-30	4-10	3-3	3	5	2	0	2	25
Sam Cassell, PG	30	7-16	2-5	2-2	1	7	0	0	3	18
BENCH	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
Tim Thomas, PF	17	2-7	1-1	3-4	5	3	1	0	1	8
Darvin Ham, SF	19	2-3	0-1	3-4	4	0	0	0	0	7
Lindsey Hunter, PG	25	1-3	1-2	2-2	1	7	0	0	2	5
Scott Williams, C	13	1-3	0-0	2-2	4	1	0	2	0	4
Rafer Alston, PG	3	0-1	0-0	0-0	0	0	0	0	0	0
TEAM TOTALS		37-94	8-19	22-25	53	26	9	3	11	104

Hardaway rallies Heat for late win

MIAMI -- For three and a half quarters of their opening game Miami looked like a team adrift. With star center Alonzo Mourning sidelined due a kidney condition, the Heat struggled to find consistency on both ends of the floor.

With just under six minutes left in the game and his team down by 8, Miami newcomer Eddie Jones jumped the passing lane and raced down court for a thunderous slam that ignited the Heat fans and players. From there Tim Hardaway did the rest.

Still trailing by one with 55 seconds remaining in the game Hardaway hit his only three of the game(1-5) and was fouled by Detroit guard Chucky Atkins. The four-point play gave the Heat a 3 point lead and ultimately the win.

Hardaway led all scorers with 21 points and added 6 assists and 4 steals. Jones had 17 points and the other two new Heat members, Brian Grant and Anthony Mason finished with 10 points and 6 rebounds each with Mason adding 5 assists.

Detroit was led by Jerry Stackhouse and Ben Wallace with 16 points apiece. Wallace also grabbed 11 rebounds. Eric Montross also notched a double-double with 11 points and a game high 12 boards.

Detroit Pistons at Miami Heat
Oct 27, 2000	1ST	2ND	3RD	4TH	SCORE
Detroit (0-1)	25	23	26	21	95
Miami (1-0)	24	17	31	27	99

Detroit Pistons
STARTERS	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
Billy Owens, SF	31	1-4	0-1	0-0	6	1	1	0	0	2
Ben Wallace, PF	31	7-10	0-0	2-2	11	0	1	1	1	16
Eric Montross, C	28	5-6	0-0	1-5	12	1	1	2	1	11
Jerry Stackhouse, SG	33	5-15	1-3	5-7	1	4	3	0	4	16
Chucky Atkins, PG	35	6-22	2-9	1-2	2	8	0	0	3	15
BENCH	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
Jud Buechler, SF	18	5-7	3-3	1-1	1	1	0	0	2	14
Mikki Moore, C	11	4-5	1-1	0-0	2	0	0	1	0	9
Mateen Cleaves, PG	14	3-8	0-1	0-0	4	4	0	0	0	6
John Wallace, SF	9	2-3	0-0	0-0	1	0	0	0	0	4
Michael Curry, SF	14	1-3	0-0	0-0	5	4	0	0	1	2
Jerome Williams, PF	20	0-1	0-0	0-0	2	1	2	0	0	0
Cedric Ceballos, SF	2	0-0	0-0	0-0	1	0	0	0	0	0
TEAM TOTALS		39/84	7/18	10/17	48	24	8	4	13	95

Miami Heat
STARTERS	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
Anthony Mason, SF	34	4-9	0-0	2-2	6	5	1	0	1	10
Brian Grant, PF	27	4-10	0-0	2-3	6	2	0	1	2	10
Duane Causwell, C	28	3-4	0-0	0-1	7	3	2	0	0	6
Eddie Jones, SG	31	6-17	1-5	4-4	5	3	0	0	1	17
Tim Hardaway, PG	31	8-15	1-5	4-8	1	6	4	0	2	21
BENCH	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
Anthony Carter, PG	18	3-6	2-2	2-4	1	5	0	0	1	10
Bruce Bowen, SF	21	3-5	0-1	3-3	1	3	3	0	0	9
Eddie House, PG	6	2-3	1-1	0-0	0	0	0	0	0	5
Jamal Robinson, SF	11	2-4	0-1	1-1	1	2	0	0	0	5
A.C. Green, C	14	2-3	0-0	0-0	3	0	0	0	0	4
Don MacLean, SF	15	1-3	0-1	0-2	3	1	1	1	1	2
Todd Fuller, C	9	0-1	0-0	0-0	3	0	0	0	0	0
TEAM TOTALS		38/80	5/16	18/28	37	30	11	2	8	99

[qpc123]

Re: NBA Rewind: Recreating the Modern NBA (2000-01 to ...)

Oct. 28, 2000 - NBA Nightly Recap (Part 1)

Magic's new duo dominate in debut

ORALNDO -- Unstoppable. If you could only use one word to describe the way the Orlando Magic's new dynamic duo of Tracy McGrady and Grant Hill in there first game together, that would be it. Unstoppable.

Hill led the way in the scoring column with 30 points to go with 9 rebounds and McGrady filled the stat sheet with 23 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists and 3 steals.

"If it wasn't one it was the other," Wizards coach Leonard Hamilton said after his team fell 113-102, "they'll give a lot of coaches headaches for the next few months."

As for the Wizards, Mitch Richmond led the team with 22 points and big man Jahidi White showed flashes of a dominate post game scoring 10 points and grabbing 15 rebounds.

Washington Wizards at Orlando Magic
Oct 28, 2000	1ST	2ND	3RD	4TH	SCORE
Washington (0-1)	26	23	29	24	102
Orlando (1-0)	32	31	25	25	113

Washington Wizards
STARTERS	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
Felipe Lopez, SF	29	6-14	1-1	1-1	7	5	0	0	3	14
Juwan Howard, PF	28	5-11	0-0	1-2	7	2	0	1	3	11
Jahidi White, C	28	5-9	0-0	0-1	15	2	0	1	0	10
MItch Richmond, SG	33	8-20	2-7	4-7	2	3	0	2	1	22
Rod Strickland, PG	30	2-10	0-1	1-2	3	3	1	0	4	5
BENCH	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
Michael Smith, PF	22	3-5	0-0	3-4	7	3	0	0	0	9
Gerard King, SF	13	3-3	2-2	1-1	3	0	0	0	0	9
Rip Hamilton, SG	17	4-12	0-1	0-0	0	5	1	0	1	8
Popeye Jones, PF	7	2-2	0-0	1-1	2	0	0	0	0	5
Cherokee Parks, PF	8	2-2	0-0	0-1	1	0	0	1	0	4
Obinna Ekezie, C	8	1-2	0-0	1-2	6	0	0	0	0	3
Chris Whitney, PG	17	1-4	0-1	0-0	1	3	2	0	1	2
TEAM TOTALS		42-94	5-13	13-22	54	26	4	5	13	102

Orlando Magic
STARTERS	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
Grant Hill, SF	31	11-20	0-0	8-10	9	3	0	1	2	30
Bo Outlaw, PF	18	0-0	0-0	0-0	2	1	1	2	0	0
John Amaechi, C	33	5-8	0-0	3-4	9	4	3	1	0	13
Tracy McGrady, SG	37	10-23	1-2	2-2	6	5	3	1	1	23
Darrell Armstrong, PG	41	7-21	2-7	4-4	3	9	1	1	0	20
BENCH	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
Michael Doleac, C	16	4-6	0-0	3-3	4	1	2	1	1	11
Pat Garrity, PF	26	2-4	0-0	0-0	8	0	1	0	0	4
Monty Williams, SF	10	1-2	0-0	1-2	3	1	0	0	0	3
Troy Hudson, PG	6	0-1	0-0	0-0	1	0	0	0	1	0
TEAM TOTALS		44-93	4-12	21-25	51	26	12	7	6	113

Nets down Bucks 99-95 for season opening-win

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- Considered by many to be contenders in the Eastern Conference this season, the Milwaukee Bucks have stumbled out of the gate this season. A 99-95 loss to the New Jersey Nets dropped their record to 0-2.

Conversely, the Nets looked good, even with Keith Van Horn sidelined with a broken left leg. Stephen Jackson filled Van Horn’s spot at small forward and led the team in scoring with 25 points. Top overall pick in this year’s draft Kenyon Martin added 15 points and 8 rebounds.

The Nets looked like they were in good shape when they took an 95-90 lead on Jackson's 3-pointer with 2:27 remaining. Milwaukee then rallied behind a couple jumpers by Allen and Robinson.

"We had our shots, we had some good looks on offense," Bucks coach George Karl said. "We got a couple big stops to get right there and couldn't get one at the end."

"Byron puts a lot of faith in us," Nets guard Stephon Marbury said. "At the end of the day it comes down to us to close the game up."

Milwaukee was paced by Ray Allen who scored 24 points but shot just 8 of 25 from the field. Glenn Robinson and Sam Cassell each added 17 points in the losing effort.

Milwakee Bucks at New Jersey Nets
Oct 28, 2000	1ST	2ND	3RD	4TH	SCORE
Milwakee (0-2)	22	21	27	25	95
New Jersey (1-0)	20	23	29	27	99

Milwakee Bucks
STARTERS	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
Glenn Robinson, SF	35	7-14	2-3	1-1	4	0	0	0	0	17
Darvin Ham, PF	34	3-4	1-1	0-2	9	0	0	0	0	7
Ervin Johnson, C	29	2-3	0-0	2-2	10	1	1	1	1	6
Ray Allen, SG	35	8-25	1-6	7-8	2	5	2	0	1	24
Sam Cassell, PG	30	7-15	0-2	3-3	5	6	1	0	0	17
BENCH	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
Tim Thomas, SF	23	6-10	2-2	0-0	1	0	1	0	1	14
Lindsey Hunter, PG	27	3-8	2-5	0-0	2	7	1	0	1	8
Scott Williams, C	12	0-3	0-0	2-2	2	0	0	1	0	2
Michael Redd, SG	3	0-2	0-0	0-0	0	1	0	0	0	0
Rafer Alston, PG	3	0-0	0-0	0-0	1	0	0	0	0	0
TEAM TOTALS		36-86	8-19	15-18	44	22	6	2	6	95

New Jersey Nets
STARTERS	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
Stephen Jackson, SF	35	7-14	3-6	8-10	6	5	0	0	1	25
Kenyon Martin, PF	29	7-13	0-0	1-2	8	1	2	0	1	15
Evan Eschmeyer, C	32	2-3	0-0	3-4	14	4	1	1	2	7
Kendall Gill, SG	35	7-11	0-0	2-2	3	5	0	0	0	16
Stephon Marbury, PG	29	4-15	0-2	7-9	3	9	0	0	2	15
BENCH	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
Johnny Newman, SG	23	3-6	0-2	3-3	2	1	0	0	1	9
Aaron Williams, PF	19	2-4	0-0	1-2	4	2	1	1	0	5
Sherman Douglas, PG	15	2-2	1-1	0-0	2	1	1	0	0	5
Soumaila Samake, C	4	1-2	0-0	0-0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Jim McIlvaine, C	12	0-2	0-0	0-0	2	0	0	1	0	0
TEAM TOTALS		35-72	4-11	25-32	44	28	5	3	7	99

Pierce/Walker lead Celtics to easy opening win over Sixers

BOSTON -- Boston coach Rick Pitino talked before the game that he needed strong performances from both Paul Pierce and Antoine Walker this season if the Celtics are going to be successful.

Both players seemed to be paying attention.

Pierce scored 32 and Walker added 27 points as the Celtics used a big fourth quarter to cruise past the Philadelphia 76ers 110-94.

“They were a great source of energy for us out there tonight” Pitino said.

Speaking of energy, Boston center Toni Battie used his to attack the glass, grabbing 17 rebounds, he also scored 9 points and blocked 3 shots.

Allen Iverson remains the lone bright spot for the Sixers, scoring 27 points on 12 of 24 shooting. He did miss all five three point attempts, as the Sixers shot just 4 of 17 from lone range.

Philly fans and the front office had hoped the addition of Toni Kukoc would add a second scorer to line-up to go with Iverson, but a 1 for 11 opening night performance may leave both questioning that line of thinking.

Philadelphia 76ers at Boston Celtics
Oct 28, 2000	1ST	2ND	3RD	4TH	SCORE
Philadelphia (0-1)	24	20	25	25	94
Boston (1-0)	26	20	26	38	110

Philadelphia 76ers
STARTERS	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
George Lynch, SF	37	5-8	0-0	2-2	6	2	2	0	0	12
Tyrone Hill, PF	29	4-8	0-0	0-2	11	1	1	0	1	8
Theo Ratliff, C	35	4-8	0-0	1-1	7	1	1	2	0	9
Allen Iverson, SG	30	12-24	0-5	3-4	3	2	0	0	1	27
Eric Snow, PG	29	2-5	0-0	2-2	1	13	1	0	3	6
BENCH	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
Aaron McKie, SG	21	4-12	2-4	2-2	2	3	1	0	2	12
Vernon Maxwell, PG	14	4-9	1-3	0-0	4	1	0	0	1	9
Jumaine Jones, SF	7	3-6	1-2	0-0	0	1	0	0	0	7
Toni Kukoc, SF	20	1-11	0-3	0-0	3	1	0	1	0	2
Todd MacCulloch, C	10	1-1	0-0	0-2	3	1	0	1	0	2
Pepe Sanchez, PG	5	0-0	0-0	0-0	1	1	0	0	0	0
Nazr Mohammed, C	3	0-0	0-0	0-0	2	1	0	0	0	0
TEAM TOTALS		42-90	4-17	10-15	43	28	6	3	8	94

Boston Celtics
STARTERS	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
Eric Williams, SF	30	4-6	0-1	1-1	4	1	0	0	0	9
Antoine Walker, PF	35	11-23	1-2	4-4	5	5	1	0	0	27
Toni Battie, C	32	4-5	0-0	1-1	17	2	1	3	0	9
Paul Pierce, SG	32	14-21	0-1	4-4	4	4	0	0	3	32
Kenny Anderson, PG	34	5-8	0-2	0-0	1	9	1	0	1	10
BENCH	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
Bryant Stith, SG	20	3-7	1-1	4-6	1	3	3	0	1	11
Vitaly Potapenko, C	17	2-5	0-0	2-3	5	0	0	0	0	6
Randy Brown, PG	14	1-2	0-1	2-4	1	2	0	0	0	4
Adrian Griffin, SF	14	1-3	0-0	0-0	4	3	0	0	0	2
Mark Blount, C	4	0-0	0-0	0-0	0	1	0	0	0	0
Jerome Moiso, PF	8	0-1	0-0	0-0	4	0	0	0	0	0
TEAM TOTALS		45-81	2-8	18-23	46	30	6	3	7	110

Grizzlies come up short in loss to Pistons

DETROIT -- Nothing but net. Sharif Adbur-Rahim hit nothing but net on a three pointer with as time expired to send Grizzlies and Pistons into overtime tied at 90. Then the referee waved his arms.

What seemed like a chance for Vancouver to pick up a season opening, became a 90-87 loss. Abdur-Rahim finished with 26 points the Grizzlies think to should have been at least 29.

“That’s a heartbreaker,” said Grizzlies guard Mike Bibby, “but we have 81 more games to look forward to, so you can’t really dwell on this one too long.”

Detroit improved to 1-1 opening the season with back-to-back games at home. Chucky Atkins scored 20 points and Jerry Stackhouse added 19 with 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals and 2 blocks.

Vancouver Grizzlies at Detroit Pistons
Oct 28, 2000	1ST	2ND	3RD	4TH	SCORE
Memphis (0-1)	22	18	22	25	87
Detroit (1-1)	19	24	25	22	90

Vancouver Grizzlies
STARTERS	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
Sharif Abdur-Rahim, SF	39	9-22	0-2	8-11	7	0	2	0	1	26
Othella Harrington, PF	35	2-4	0-0	0-0	11	2	2	0	1	4
Bryant Reeves, C	33	1-1	0-0	2-2	10	0	0	1	1	4
Michael Dickerson, SG	37	4-12	0-1	7-12	3	4	1	0	0	15
Mike Bibby, PG	39	8-17	2-5	3-3	2	4	1	0	5	20
BENCH	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
Kevin Edwards, SG13	13	2-4	1-2	0-0	2	2	0	0	1	5
Isaac Austin, C	11	2-4	0-0	1-2	4	2	0	1	0	5
Grant Long, PF	16	1-2	0-0	2-2	2	0	0	0	0	4
Damon Jones, PG	8	1-2	1-2	0-0	0	3	0	0	0	3
Stromile Swift, PF	9	0-1	0-0	1-2	2	0	1	0	1	1
TEAM TOTALS		30-69	4-12	23-34	43	17	7	2	10	87

Detroit Pistons
STARTERS	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
Billy Owens, SF	21	0-2	0-0	0-0	1	1	1	0	0	0
Jerome Williams, PF	29	2-4	0-0	4-4	10	0	2	0	2	8
Ben Wallace, C	25	1-6	0-0	2-2	9	2	0	1	2	4
Jerry Stackhouse, SG	34	6-19	0-7	7-9	5	4	2	2	0	19
Chucky Atkins, PG	33	7-14	0-1	6-6	1	3	0	0	2	20
BENCH	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
Jud Buechler, SG	16	3-6	3-5	0-0	1	3	0	0	2	9
John Wallace, SF	23	1-2	0-0	6-6	7	0	1	1	1	8
Eric Montross, C	14	3-5	0-0	0-0	6	1	0	0	0	6
Cedric Ceballos, SF	13	2-8	0-4	0-0	2	3	0	0	0	4
Michael Curry, SG	8	2-2	0-0	0-1	1	0	0	0	0	4
Mikki Moore, C	9	2-3	0-0	0-0	2	0	0	0	0	4
Mateen Cleaves, PG	15	1-6	0-2	2-2	1	1	1	0	1	4
TEAM TOTALS		30-77	3-19	27-30	46	18	7	4	10	90

[dreep]

Re: NBA Rewind: Recreating the Modern NBA (2000-01 to ...)

chuky helped pistons get their first win, gj

[DynasticJumper]

Re: NBA Rewind: Recreating the Modern NBA (2000-01 to ...)

Look at these lineups! i'll be following for sure. Love the idea.

[qpc123]

Re: NBA Rewind: Recreating the Modern NBA (2000-01 to ...)

Oct. 28, 2000 - NBA Nightly Recap (Part 2)

Hornets fly past Hawks 101-82

ATLANTA -- With some NBA analysts picking the Charlotte Hornets to contend for the Eastern Conference crown, others were left wondering whether the on-court performance would live up to the hype.

For at least the opening night of the season the answer was a resounding, ‘Yes.’

Baron Davis had 20 points with 5 rebounds and 5 assists to lead Charlotte to a 101-82 win over the Hawks. New-additions Jamal Mashburn and P.J. Brown scored 15 and 12 points respectively. Brown also grabbed a game high 17 rebounds.

"Guys made shots, but it's a testament to the ball movement and guys giving of themselves to make the shot easier for the next guy,'' said Davis.

Charlotte used a 32-14 first quarter to take control of the game and never looked back.

"A good start,'' Hornets coach Paul Silas said. "I liked our energy."
Jason Terry scored a game high 23 points in the losing effort for Atlanta. Jim Jackson added 16 points and Alan Henderson had a double-double with 11 points and 13 rebounds.

Charlotte Hornets at Atlanta Hawks
Oct 28, 2000	1ST	2ND	3RD	4TH	SCORE
Charlotte (1-0)	32	24	25	20	101
Atlanta (0-1)	14	20	21	27	82

Charlotte Hornets
STARTERS	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
Jamal Mashburn, SF	31	6-12	0-1	3-4	5	3	0	0	1	15
Elden Campbell, PF	33	4-9	0-0	2-3	13	4	0	2	1	10
P.J. Brown, C	37	5-8	0-0	2-3	17	1	0	3	1	12
David Wesley, SG	33	5-11	2-4	2-2	4	7	0	0	1	14
Baron Davis, PG	31	8-18	1-1	3-4	5	5	0	0	2	20
BENCH	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
Eddie Robinson, SF	16	4-10	1-1	2-2	1	1	1	0	2	11
Otis Thorpe, PF	17	3-5	0-0	2-2	6	0	1	1	0	8
Eldridge Recasner, PG	18	2-4	2-4	0-0	3	4	0	0	0	6
Tim James, SF	6	1-2	0-1	1-1	2	1	0	0	0	3
Hersey Hawkins, SG	9	0-2	0-2	2-3	0	1	0	0	0	2
Jamaal Magloire, C	9	0-5	0-0	0-0	6	2	0	1	0	0
TEAM TOTALS		38-86	6-14	19-24	62	29	2	7	8	101

Atlanta Hawks
STARTERS	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
Roshown McLeod, SF	30	0-3	0-1	0-0	8	0	0	0	0	0
Alan Henderson, PF	36	4-8	0-0	3-7	13	0	1	0	1	11
Hanno Mottola, C	34	5-14	0-0	2-2	8	0	1	0	1	12
Jim Jackson, SG	33	6-19	1-3	3-4	4	6	2	0	1	16
Jason Terry, PG	30	10-23	2-5	1-2	4	3	1	0	0	23
BENCH	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
Matt Maloney, PG	8	3-4	2-2	0-0	0	2	0	0	0	8
Larry Robinson, PG	17	2-6	0-2	1-1	1	0	0	0	0	5
Chris Crawford, SF	21	1-2	0-0	1-1	2	0	0	0	0	3
Anthony Miller, PF	7	1-1	0-0	0-0	2	1	0	1	0	2
DerMarr Johnson, SF	10	0-0	0-0	1-2	2	2	0	0	1	1
Anthony Johnson, SG	14	0-11	0-1	1-2	1	2	1	0	2	1
TEAM TOTALS		32-91	5-14	13-21	45	16	6	1	6	82

Carter’s 33 carry Raptors against Cavs

TORONTO -- Vince Carter and the Toronto Raptors executed well in the final minutes, the Cleveland Cavaliers did not.

Carter scored 33 points and grabbed 8 rebounds as the Raptors took down the Cavs 92-85. Morris Peterson added 15 points off the bench.

Although it was for from his win as an NBA head coach, Lenny Wilkens did pick his first win in Toronto.

"I know it's one of many games, but to get him his first W, especially at home, felt good," Carter said. "He was calm all night, and that kind of rubbed off on us."

Zydrunas Ilgauskas who had 25 points and 14 rebounds was the lone bright spot for the Cavs.

Cleveland Cavaliers at Toronto Raptors
Oct 28, 2000	1ST	2ND	3RD	4TH	SCORE
Cleveland (0-1)	18	26	21	20	85
Toronto (1-0)	25	25	19	23	92

Cleveland Cavaliers
STARTERS	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
Lamond Murray, SF	26	4-7	3-3	0-0	3	0	1	0	2	11
Clarence Weatherspoon, PF	34	3-4	0-0	3-3	10	1	1	0	0	9
Zydrunas Ilgauskas, C	29	10-25	0-0	5-9	14	1	2	1	1	25
Matt Harping, SF	36	2-5	0-1	4-6	6	4	0	0	2	8
Andre Miller, PG	32	4-15	0-4	0-0	0	7	1	0	3	8
BENCH	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
Chris Gatiling, PF	21	5-9	0-1	0-1	8	0	1	1	0	10
Bimbo Coles, PG	15	3-11	0-0	0-0	2	4	0	0	1	6
Wesley Person, SG	17	2-4	0-1	2-2	5	0	1	0	0	6
Robert Traylor, PF	17	1-4	0-0	0-0	4	0	1	0	1	2
Chris Mihm, C	4	0-0	0-0	0-0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Cedric Henderson, SF	9	0-1	0-0	0-0	0	0	0	0	0	0
TEAM TOTALS		35-82	3-10	19-27	48	25	5	5	9	85

Toronto Raptors
STARTERS	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
Corliss Williamson, SF	27	4-8	1-2	0-3	7	1	0	0	1	9
Charles Oakley, PF	34	4-7	0-0	1-1	5	1	1	1	0	9
Antonio Davis, C	37	4-9	0-0	0-0	12	2	1	0	0	8
Vince Carter, SG	33	10-25	0-3	13-16	4	8	1	0	2	33
Mark Jackson, PG	31	1-5	0-0	1-2	7	4	1	0	3	3
BENCH	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
Morris Peterson, SF	26	7-16	1-3	0-0	6	3	0	1	1	15
Kevin Willis, C	15	2-2	0-0	3-3	3	0	0	1	1	7
Alvin Williams, PG	13	1-6	0-0	1-2	0	5	0	0	0	3
Dell Curry, SG	17	1-3	1-2	0-0	2	1	1	2	1	3
Muggsy Bogues, PG	6	1-1	0-0	0-0	0	0	0	0	0	2
Kornel David, SF	1	0-0	0-0	0-0	2	0	0	0	0	0
TEAM TOTALS		34-85	3-10	14-21	52	17	8	2	10	92

Nuggets use big second half to topple Rockets

HOUSTON -- If the Denver Nuggets can play the way they did in the second half of their 105-97 win over the Houston Rockets they will be a much improved team this season.

Nick Van Exel scored 22, Antonio McDyess had 20, and Raef LaFrentz added 19 as the Nuggets overcame a 10 point halftime deficit.

"We worked hard enough to come in here and expect to win a game," Denver coach Dan Issel said. "This should not come as a shock. Everybody outside of our organization can pick us last if they want, but we feel we have a chance to do something special this year and I think the way we played tonight showed that promise."

Steve Francis led the Rockets with 15 points but shot just 5 of 15 and Hakeem Olajuwon scored 14 in what could his his final season opener in Houston.

Denver Nuggets at Houston Rockets
Oct 28, 2000	1ST	2ND	3RD	4TH	SCORE
Denver (1-0)	18	26	30	31	105
Houston (0-1)	28	26	19	24	97

Denver Nuggets
STARTERS	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
James Posey, SF	29	3-4	1-1	2-2	1	2	2	0	0	9
Antonio McDyess, PF	28	7-14	0-0	6-6	13	2	0	0	0	20
Raef LaFrentz, C	32	9-17	0-1	1-2	12	0	1	3	0	19
Tariq Abdul-Wahad, SG	29	2-8	0-0	3-4	5	3	3	0	1	7
Nick Van Exel, PG	33	7-17	2-5	6-6	3	9	1	0	1	22
BENCH	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
Keon Clark, PF	13	2-4	0-0	4-4	4	0	0	0	0	8
Mark Strickland, SF	15	2-4	1-2	2-2	1	0	0	0	0	7
Robert Pack, PG	15	2-4	0-2	2-2	2	2	1	0	1	6
Voshon Lenard, SG	17	1-6	1-2	0-0	4	2	0	0	2	3
Terry Davis, C	16	0-1	0-0	2-2	4	2	0	0	1	2
Tracy Murray, SF	6	1-1	0-0	0-0	0	0	0	0	0	2
George McCloud, SF	7	0-2	0-1	0-0	0	0	0	0	0	0
TEAM TOTALS		36-82	5-14	28-30	49	22	8	3	6	105

Houston Rockets
STARTERS	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
Walt Williams, SF	36	7-10	1-2	2-2	5	1	1	0	2	5
Maurice Taylor, PF	34	2-4	0-0	4-6	9	2	2	0	1	8
Hakeem Olajuwon, C	27	7-15	0-0	0-2	9	1	0	2	1	14
Shandon Anderson, SG	24	4-7	1-2	1-3	2	4	0	1	0	10
Steve Francis, PG	34	5-15	0-3	6-9	3	8	0	0	1	16
BENCH	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
Cuttino Mobley, SG	31	6-15	0-2	1-1	3	4	0	0	2	13
Kelvin Cato, C	15	0-1	0-0	8-8	5	1	0	1	0	8
Moochie Norris, PG	18	3-4	1-1	0-0	2	2	0	0	2	7
Matt Bullard, PF	8	2-3	0-1	0-0	1	0	0	0	0	4
Jason Collier, C	5	0-0	0-0	0-0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Carlos Rogers, C	8	0-2	0-0	0-0	2	1	0	0	0	0
TEAM TOTALS		36-76	3-11	22-31	41	24	3	4	9	97

Another Miller game-winner lifts Pacers to 2-0 start

SALT LAKE CITY -- The teams involved may be a little different but when Reggie Miller and John Starks face each other, it seems like something interesting always happens. While Starks came out ahead in the point column the outcome of the game was a Miller classic.

After Utah took a 90-88 lead off a Karl Malone jumper with just 2.1 seconds left, everyone knew who the Pacers would look to for their last shot and as usual Miller did not disappoint knocking down a game winning three as the clock expired to give the Pacers a 91-90 win and a 2-0 start to the season.

“We still have a lot of things we need to work on," Miller said. "But we're 2-0. We just want to continue to stay the course."

Jermaine O’Neal led the Pacers in scoring with 23 points and rebounding with 14. Miller’s game winner gave him 20 points for the night.

The Jazz added some new pieces this offseason, the results so far are mixed at best.

Utah blew an eight point 4th quarter lead that was built on the dominant play of Karl Malone who finished the game with 23 points and 19 rebounds. John Stockton had a nondescript game with 9 points and 9 assists, Starks scored 22.

"We didn't play the way we have for the last couple years, so ... this is Game 1. We've just got to keep working at it,” Stockton said.

Indiana Pacers at Utah Jazz
Oct 28, 2000	1ST	2ND	3RD	4TH	SCORE
Indiana (2-0)	23	19	22	27	91
Utah (0-1)	16	26	30	18	90

Indiana Pacers
STARTERS	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
Austin Croshere, SF	31	4-13	0-1	2-4	5	2	1	0	0	10
Sam Perkins, PF	31	3-9	1-2	1-1	7	1	0	0	0	8
Jermaine O'Neal, C	28	10-18	0-0	3-4	14	2	2	1	1	23
Reggie Miller, SG	42	8-23	2-8	2-2	6	1	0	0	0	20
Travis Best, PG	45	2-6	0-2	1-1	5	10	1	0	1	5
BENCH	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
Al Harrington, PF	20	6-11	3-5	2-2	4	1	0	0	3	17
Zan Tabak, C	17	2-4	0-0	1-2	10	1	0	1	0	5
Derrick McKey, SF	19	1-5	1-1	0-0	3	2	1	1	1	3
Jonathan Bender, SF	4	0-0	0-0	0-0	0	0	0	0	1	0
Tyus Edney, PG	3	0-0	0-0	0-0	0	2	0	0	0	0
TEAM TOTALS		36-89	7-19	12-16	54	22	5	3	7	91

Utah Jazz
STARTERS	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
Bryon Russell, SF	32	1-8	1-5	0-0	4	1	0	1	1	3
Karl Malone, PF	36	10-15	0-0	3-4	19	1	0	0	0	23
Olden Polynice, C	33	7-13	0-0	1-2	10	2	1	0	0	15
John Starks, SG	33	8-18	2-5	4-5	2	1	2	0	1	22
John Stockton, PG	35	3-5	1-1	2-2	4	9	1	0	3	9
BENCH	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
Donyell Marshall, SF	12	3-5	1-1	0-0	3	3	1	0	0	7
Danny Manning, PF	12	3-7	0-1	1-2	2	0	2	0	0	7
Quincy Lewis, SF	11	2-6	0-3	0-0	1	1	0	0	1	4
Jacque Vaughn, PG	13	0-2	0-0	0-0	1	5	0	0	0	0
David Benoit, SF	2	0-1	0-0	0-0	0	0	0	0	0	0
DeShawn Stevenson, SG	8	0-3	0-0	0-0	1	1	0	0	1	0
Greg Ostertag, C	13	0-1	0-0	0-0	2	0	0	0	0	0
TEAM TOTALS		37-84	5-16	11-15	49	24	7	1	7	90

[VizzyXV]

Re: NBA Rewind: Recreating the Modern NBA (2000-01 to ...)

Are you using real life draft classes?